Personal Device Case

ABSTRACT

A personal device case for the secure containment and ergonomic manipulation of an electronic device is provided. The device case includes a vertically oriented, uninterrupted slot traversing from a bottom of the case, along an anterior side, and through to a top opening of the case. When closed, a top flap extends downward and substantially covers the slot at the anterior side. The slot forms two panels in the anterior side, which may each include stiffening members to support the electronic device. The device case may be secured to a part of a user and facilitates the insertion and removal of an electronic device without comprising a grip or damaging a display screen. The device case may assist users with disabilities and/or poor coordination.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/640,819, titled PERSONAL DEVICE CASE, filed May 1, 2012, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

The reduction of electronic packaging sizes and improvements in semiconductor manufacturing have led to small but extremely powerful electronic devices. Such devices, however, are often expensive and fragile, driving a demand for protective cases. In order to sufficiently protect the electronic device, protective cases must cover a significant portion of the device and provide a snug compartment in which the device may be secured. However, such cases often make inserting and removing a device awkward and difficult, requiring a user to modify their grasp on the electronic device which may cause the user to mishandle, drop, or even damage the device. Many protective cases also require the use of two hands, as one is needed to handle the electronic device and the other to open the case for insertion or removal.

A protective device case for facilitating the secure, ergonomic, and easy insertion and removal of a handheld electronic device is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the protective case comprises a vertically oriented, uninterrupted slot traversing from a bottom of the case, along an anterior side, and through to a top opening of the carrying case. The protective case may further comprise a top flap that, when closed, extends downward and substantially covers the slot at the anterior side. The slot in turn forms two panels in the anterior side of the protective case, the panels including embedded stiffening members configured to provide structural support to the case, and to support the electronic device. A flap panel may be further included and configured to releasably secure the electronic device in the protective case. In some embodiments, the protective case also includes a posterior panel with an interior side attachable to a part of a user.

The protective case allows a user to install and remove an electronic device without modifying, compromising, or releasing their grasp on the electronic device, significantly reducing the chances of mishandling the device, which might otherwise lead to damaging the device and/or smudging/scratching its screen. The protective case also assists users with arthritis, disabilities, and/or poor coordination in handling and securing electronic devices in the protective case.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of an example embodiment of a protective device case drawn approximately to scale.

FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of another example embodiment of a protective device case draw approximately to scale.

FIG. 1C shows a cross-sectional view of the protective device case of FIG. 1 taken along line A-A.

FIG. 2 shows a prior art protective device case.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of another example embodiment of a protective device case.

FIGS. 4A-G show an example method employed by a user to use the protective device case of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows a rear view of the protective device case of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 6A-B respectively show left and right side views of the protective device case of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 7A-B respectively show top and bottom views of the protective device case of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A personal device case for securely holding an electronic device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the protective case comprises a vertically oriented, uninterrupted slot traversing from a bottom of the case, along an anterior side, and through to a top opening of the case. The top opening is sized to accept a handheld device into the protective case. A top flap is further included that, when closed, extends downward and substantially covers the slot at the anterior side. The slot forms two panels in the anterior side, the panels each having stiffening members supporting the electronic device. The protective case may be secured to a part of a user (e.g., the hip). The protective case allows a user to insert and remove an electronic device without modifying, compromising, or releasing their grasp on the electronic device, significantly reducing the chances of damaging the device and smudging and/or scratching its screen. The protective case also assists users with arthritis, disabilities, and/or poor coordination in handling and securing electronic devices in the protective case.

FIG. 1A shows an embodiment of a protective device case in accordance with the present disclosure. The protective case comprises, among other elements, a vertically oriented slot, two panels, and a top flap. FIG. 1B shows a perspective view another example embodiment of a protective device case. FIG. 2 shows a prior art protective device case. FIG. 3 shows a front view of another embodiment of a protective device case. FIGS. 4A-G show an example method employed by a user to use the protective case of FIGS. 1A-B. The method includes using a thumb to open the top flap and using one or more fingers, in conjunction with the vertically oriented slot, to remove an electronic device from the protective case. FIG. 5 shows a rear view of the protective device case of FIGS. 1A-B. FIGS. 6A-B respectively show left and right side views of the protective device case of FIGS. 1A-B. FIGS. 7A-B respectively show top and bottom views of the protective device case of FIGS. 1A-B.

Turning now to FIG. 1A, an example embodiment of a protective device case (PDC) 100, which may also be referred to as a carrying case, is shown. PDC 100 has a body shaped to securely hold a plurality of handheld electronic devices, including cell phones, smart phones, GPS units, handheld videogame consoles, PDAs, MP3 players, etc., while allowing their release from the PDC for subsequent manipulation. In this embodiment, PDC 100 is substantially rectangular, having a geometry generally suited to the electronic devices it is configured to hold (e.g., smartphones), with a length 102, height 104, and width (e.g., thickness or depth) 106 each measured from respective outer edges of the PDC. As a non-limiting example, length 102 may be 5 inches, height 104 may be 8 inches, and width 106 may be 0.5 inches. Such dimensions may be varied without departing from the scope of this disclosure, however, and may be selected based on various classes of electronic devices. Further, PDC 100 may accommodate devices having non-rectangular geometries and may itself comprise a body having such non-rectangular geometries, for example cylindrical and cubical geometries. In some embodiments, the structure of PDC 100 may be augmented with various geometric features (e.g., contours) configured to accommodate non-rectangular devices or devices with corresponding regular or irregular geometric features.

A variety of materials may be used in the formation of PDC 100, including leather, rubber, plastic, metals, metallic alloys, etc., where a combination of such materials may be used alternately in particular regions of the PDC. For example, an interior surface 108 of PDC 100 may comprise a first material while an exterior surface 110 of the PDC may comprise a second material. Interior surface 108 may be a surface which contacts the surface of a device inserted into PDC 100 and may be substantially imperceptible (e.g., less than 10% of visible surface area) when such a device occupies the PDC. As such, interior surface 108 may comprise a soft, non-abrasive material configured to prevent the formation of scratches and other damage to an inserted device and, for some devices, their display screens. Interior surface 108, for example, may be bounded by a seam 112 and span the interior region of PDC 100 inside seam 112, while exterior surface 110 may span the region outside seam 112, corresponding in part to a posterior side 113 of the PDC shown in FIG. 5. In contrast, exterior surface 110 may comprise a material resistant to wear and damage (e.g., tears, scratches, etc.) and to other elements such as water, for example by being treated by a water-proof coating. In some embodiments, interior and exterior surfaces 108 and 110 may comprise materials of different color to improve the appearance of PDC 100. It will be appreciated, however, that interior and exterior surfaces 108 and 110 may comprise the same materials and form a contiguous single interior/exterior surface.

Regardless of the materials used, PDC 100 is rigid enough to maintain its shape and support devices inserted therein, yet is flexible enough to be manipulated and withstand the physical forces and stress of frequent use. As described in further detail below, the supportive structure and stiffness of PDC 100 may be enhanced by the inclusion of an insert.

Individual portions of the PDC 100 may be attached to one another by a variety of methods (e.g., sewing, gluing, etc.). For example, PDC 100 may comprise two layers which may be bonded together via sewing or gluing, where the two layers may correspond to interior and exterior surfaces 108 and 110. Embodiments in which portions of PDC 100 are attached to one another via sewing, for example, may reduce or eliminate adverse environmental effects due to the omission of certain types of adhesives. Conversely, embodiments in which portions of PDC 100 are attached to one another via adhesion, for example, may reduce manufacturing cost and complexity. Hybrid approaches are further possible in which portions of PDC 100 are attached to one another via a first method, while other portions are attached to one another via a second method. For example, interior surface 108 may be bonded to exterior surface 110 via application of an adhesive between the surfaces, while side panels described below may be joined to the body of PDC 100 via sewing. Alternatively, PDC 100 may be integrally formed as one unit. The integrally formed PDC may include a structurally supportive insert and other elements configured to enhance the structure and functionality of the PDC, described in further detail below.

As shown in FIG. 1A, PDC 100 includes a slot 114, arranged and positioned centrally at the center between a first anterior panel 116 and a second anterior panel 118 on an exterior or anterior side 117. Slot 114 may also be designated a cavity or opening, and is a three-dimensional, contiguously hollow, substantially rectangular region extending uninterruptedly in a vertical direction 120, traversing from a bottom side 122 of the case on anterior side 117 to a top side 124 of the case. Slot 114 is a region in which a user may at least partially insert one or more digits to insert or remove an electronic device regardless of whether PDC 100 is in an open or closed configuration (FIG. 1A illustrates an open configuration; FIG. 4A illustrates a closed configuration). Moreover, slot 114 may guide placement of user digits when gripping a device for its removal or may guide placement of user digits when inserting the device. As such, slot 114 may provide a tactile guide facilitating insertion and removal of a device without requiring a user to look at the slot or PDC 100 when performing such actions. Slot 114 may have a width at least as large as the typical width of a user's single finger, or, in some embodiments, double such width. For reference, slot 114 may extend vertically along vertical direction 120 from PDC bottom side 122 to a top slot end 126 shown in FIG. 3. The volume of slot 114 may be reduced and/or restricted proximate top slot end 126 as PDC 100 is put in a closed configuration (shown in FIG. 4A, for example).

Slot 114 includes an expanded opening region 128 at bottom side 122 of PDC 100, which is configured to aid a user in inserting and removing an electronic device from the protective case by providing an open region in which a user's digits may be inserted and abutted against a bottom surface of a device. Once the user's digits are abutted against the bottom device surface, the device may be removed, allowing the device to be gripped and removed in substantially one motion. Conversely, the device may be easily and securely inserted in PDC 100, as expanded opening region 128 allows a user's digits to move vertically downward along vertical direction 120 past bottom side 122, allowing the user to be confident in device placement via tactile input alone.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, expanded opening region 128 has a geometry resembling that of a curved trapezoid with tapered edges, with a smaller width toward posterior side 113 of PDC 100 and a larger width toward anterior side 117. As a non-limiting example, the smaller width of the opening region, toward posterior side 113 of the protective case, may be 0.5 inches. However, this width, along with the widths of anterior panels 116 and 118, may be varied and tailored to a specific device or class of devices so as to increase the length 102 and protection provided to the device by PDC 100. Alternatively or additionally, dimensions may be varied to increase ergonomics and enhance device handling. In the example shown in FIG. 1A, expanding opening region 128 terminates at an edge a distance away from posterior side 113, such that a portion of a bottom panel 130 aligned with the expanded opening region is retained. A posterior side of slot 114 may correspond to such edge. Retaining a portion of bottom panel 130 between anterior panels 116 and 118 may increase the structural support provided to an inserted device. In other embodiments, however, expanded opening region 128 may fully extend toward and truncate at posterior side 113 such that bottom panel 130 is divided into two separate bottom panels respectively corresponding to anterior panels 116 and 118. In this case, slot 114 may likewise have a posterior side extending toward and corresponding to posterior side 113 of PDC 110. In such embodiments, inclusion of a slot fully extending toward posterior side 113 may increase flexibility of PDC 100 while retaining sufficient device support capabilities.

As described above, slot 114 at least partially separates and forms first anterior panel 116 and second anterior panel 118. Outer edges of slot 114, which extend vertically along vertical direction 120 from bottom side 122 to top side 124, are in turn defined by inner edges of anterior panels 116 and 118 proximate the slot. The anterior panels may be substantially rectangular with filleted corners, as shown in FIG. 1A, or may resemble other geometries to accommodate particular classes of devices to be held by the protective case. Anterior panels 116 and 118 may have one or more equal dimensions (e.g., length, height, width), such as a height greater than the heights of devices configured to be held by the protective case, and/or equal widths which, together with slot 114 and expanded opening region 128, may endow PDC 100 with a width greater than the widths of such devices. Anterior panels 116 and 118 may include stiffening members (also designated rigid members) embedded in their bodies, such as stiffening member 132, represented in this example as a substantially rectangular insert having a dashed outline. The stiffening members provide a stable, supportive structure to the protective case and its separated anterior panels, and support an electronic device held therein. The stiffening members may be provided between an outer layer or lining of the anterior panels, and an inner layer or lining, which may respectively correspond to exterior surface 110 and interior surface 108, for example. The inner lining may provide an interior surface that an electronic device may contact without scratching or damaging its display screen.

Depending on the material chosen in the formation of the protective case, the case may exhibit a high degree of plasticity which may benefit from support provided by the stiffening members (e.g., stiffening member 132). The stiffening members themselves may be formed from a variety of materials, including but not limited to metal, metallic alloys, and plastic. Plastic, for instance, may help reduce the weight of the protective case, while metal may enhance the support provided to the housed electronic device and help maintain the overall structure of the protective case. In some embodiments, the stiffening members (e.g., member 132) and portions of anterior panels 116 and 118 (e.g., exterior surfaces and interior linings) may comprise one or more substantially transparent materials, allowing a device to be perceived even when inserted in PDC 100. If, as described above, PDC 100 is integrally formed as a single unit, the device case may be formed around previously-formed stiffening members. Alternatively, stiffening members may be inserted following formation of PDC 100, for example by creating openings between exterior surface 110 and inner linings (e.g., interior surface 108) and inserting the stiffening members therein. While FIG. 1A shows two anterior panels 116 and 118 included in PDC 100, additional panels may be included without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, anterior panels 116 and 118 are substantially straight—e.g., the anterior panels have axes which substantially extend along vertical direction 120. In other embodiments, the anterior panels may have similar or different axes extending along other directions, and may not be straight but curved in a convex manner, for example, extending outwardly from anterior side 117. Although in this example a single stiffening member is provided for each anterior panel, two or more may be provided for a single anterior panel without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

In the depicted example, bottom edges of anterior panels 116 and 118 are attached to bottom panel 130, and may be done so by a variety of suitable methods described above. More particularly, anterior panels 116 and 118 are attached to bottom panel 130 substantially along their lengths (e.g., as measured along the direction of length 102 of PDC 100), though attachment may be carried out along a reduced portion of the lengths of the anterior panels. The depicted attachment between the anterior and bottom panels yields a junction 134 that is curved. In an embodiment in which PDC 100 is integrally formed, for example, bottom panel 130 may join anterior panels 116 and 118 in a gradual curve, transitioning from alignment along an axis substantially perpendicular to vertical direction 120 to alignment along an axis substantially parallel to the vertical direction. Moreover, anterior panels 116 and 118 may be attached to bottom panel 130 along their exterior surfaces, interior surfaces, or anywhere therebetween. In this way, width 106 of PDC 100 may be adjusted and selected based on the physical characteristics of devices to be held in the protective case. In other embodiments, however, the panels may meet at junctions that are substantially perpendicular (e.g., 90°+/−5°, creating a perceptible region of attachment.

As shown, bottom panel 130 extends along the entire length 102 of PDC 100, and has a width 106 greater than a width of the class of devices intended to be received. Thus, a snug but non-restrictive fit may be obtained when inserting a device into PDC 100. Bottom panel 130 provides support to a housed electronic device in addition to defining bottom side 122 of PDC 100, from which slot 114 extends vertically upward along vertical direction 120. Bottom panel may extend in a substantially straight direction, which may be perpendicular to directions in which anterior panels 116 and 118 extend (e.g., vertical direction 120). Variations are possible, however, in which bottom panel 130 forms angles other than 90° with the anterior panels. Further, bottom panel 130 may be outwardly curved in a convex manner, being extruded in a direction opposite vertical direction 120. As described above, in some embodiments expanded opening region 128 may extend to and terminate at posterior side 113, dividing bottom panel 130 into two separate bottom panels each corresponding respectively to anterior panels 116 and 118. Thus, two or more bottom panels may be provided depending on the placement and geometry of one or more expanded opening regions.

PDC 100 further includes a first side panel 136 and a second side panel 138. The anterior sides of side panels 136 and 138 are respectively connected to anterior panels 116 and 118. The posterior sides of side panels 136 and 138 are each connected to a posterior panel 140. Side panels 136 and 138 provide support to the top and bottom of an inserted electronic device, and, due to the plasticity of their constituent materials, allow the protective case to be flexible. The distance between anterior panels 116 and 118, and the posterior panel 140, occupied by side panels 136 and 138, is greater than the thickness of the class of devices intended to be housed by PDC 100, ensuring a snug but non-restrictive fit, and may correspond to width 106. In the depicted embodiment, two gaps are interposed between the side panels and bottom panel 130, one between first side panel 136 and bottom panel 130, and a second between second side panel 138 and bottom panel 130. Alternative embodiments are possible, however, in which no gaps are provided and side panels 136 and 138 extend toward and are flush with bottom panel 130. Such dimensions may adjusted to balance flexibility of the PDC and protection afforded to inserted devices.

As shown, side panels 136 and 138 are each integrally formed as a single, contiguous panel, though other approaches are possible in which the side panels comprise two or more subpanels which are joined together (e.g., via sewing). Side panels 136 and 138 may include stiffening members similar to stiffening member 46 described above. As shown, the middle of side panels 136 and 138 are substantially aligned (e.g., +/−5 mm) with the middle of respective anterior panels 116 and 118, though the side panels may be equally or unequally aligned to any suitable portion of the anterior panels, which in turn may adjust the size of gaps between the side panels and bottom panel 130. It will be appreciated that in the views illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4A-G, 5, and 7A-B, side panels 136 and 138 are shown as outwardly bent in a convex manner for the sake of illustration, and that the side panels may appear substantially straight (e.g., at an angle of 90°+/−5° relative to anterior panels 116 and 118) and thus substantially imperceptible in such face-on views.

Side panels 136 and 138 connect to posterior panel 140, which provides a supportive structure to the anterior or posterior surface of a device, depending on its orientation when inserted in PDC 100. Side panels 136 and 138 may be attached to bottom panel 130 at their respective bottom edges, though attachment may be carried out at other locations—e.g., bottom panel 130 may be attached to side panels 136 and 138 at an upward distance along vertical direction 120 such that a portion of the side panels overhangs the bottom panel.

Posterior panel 140 includes a flexure 142 about which the panel may bend inwardly (e.g., toward the exterior surfaces of anterior panels 116 and 118) and outwardly (e.g., away from anterior panels 116 and 118 toward vertical direction 120), which causes PDC 100 to be in the closed and open states referred to above. As measured from bottom side 122 to flexure 142 along vertical direction 120, for example when PDC 100 is in the closed configuration and holding a device, posterior panel 140 may have a height approximately 33% of height 104—e.g., 3 inches, or any other suitable height larger than that of the types of devices to be inserted in the PDC. Height 104 may correspond to the height of the PDC when in the open position, as measured from bottom side 122 to the uppermost point along vertical direction 120 of a flap panel described in further detail below. When folded about flexure 142 to put PDC 100 in the closed configuration, posterior panel 140 may form a flat or partially outwardly curved, convex ridge.

Turning briefly to FIG. 4A, PDC 100 is shown in a closed state, holding an electronic device. A ridge 144 is formed due to bending of posterior panel 140 about flexure 142. FIG. 4A also shows how the amount of overlap of posterior panel 140—e.g., the distance the posterior panel extends downward opposite vertical direction 120 over anterior side 117 of PDC 100 and its anterior panels 116 and 118—may be selectively adjusted. In this depicted example, a distance 146 separates a distal or outer edge of posterior panel 140 from bottom side 122 of PDC 100. Distance 146 may be selected to balance the amount of anterior protection afforded to an inserted device while increasing the ease with which the device may be removed by allowing posterior panel 140 to be quickly opened and unfolded outwardly and upwardly about flexure 142 in a direction at least partially along vertical direction 120. In other embodiments, distance 146 may be reduced such that posterior panel 140, when folded, substantially protects (e.g., 85% or more) the outwardly facing surface of a device.

Turning to FIG. 5, PDC 100 may further include an attachment device (e.g., a loop, clip, etc.) 148 provided on the exterior of its posterior side at posterior panel 140, allowing the protective case to be affixed to a part of a user (e.g., belt), as shown for example in FIGS. 4A-G. In some embodiments, attachment device 148 may be rotated and separated from posterior panel 140, allowing a belt or other object to be slipped through the opening created by such separation. Although attachment device 148 is shown comprising a single region of attachment or prong which may be engaged, the attachment device may comprise two or more attachment regions without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Additional attachment regions (e.g., loops) may improve the distribution of force when affixed to an object or user and the quality of attachment. Attachment regions in attachment device 148 may comprise one or more embedded devices, as with anterior panels 116 and 118. For example, attachment device 148 may comprise a magnet at its center to enhance attachment of PDC 100 to various locations and objects.

Returning to FIG. 1A, posterior panel 140 includes a flap panel 150, also designated a top flap, arranged above and adjacent to posterior panel 140. Flap panel 150 may be attached to posterior panel 140 by a variety of techniques (e.g., sewing, gluing), or the two elements may be formed integrally as one element together. In such a case, posterior panel 140 and flap panel 150 may be considered contiguous. As with flexure 142, flap panel 150 may rotate about a flexure 151 as PDC 100 is opened and closed. As PDC 100 is put in the closed configuration, flap panel 150 extends vertically downward opposite vertical direction 120 and at least partially covers slot 114 as well as anterior panels 116 and 118. As described above, the vertical distance of overlap of flap panel 150 and posterior panel 140 may be selectively adjusted based on various desired characteristics of PDC 100.

In this embodiment, flap panel 150 includes a connection device having a first portion, arranged on the exterior surface 110 of PDC 100 (e.g., on the exterior surfaces of first and second anterior panels 116 and 118) or embedded within the first and second anterior panels, and a second portion disposed on the interior or exterior surface (e.g., surfaces 108 and 110) of or embedded within flap panel 150. The connection device may comprise a variety of elements allowing the first and second portions to be realeasably engageable with one another, including but not limited to Velcro, snaps, and magnets. FIG. lA shows an embodiment in which flap magnets 152 and 154 provide a releasable connection mechanism. In this example, two additional anterior magnets 156 and 158 are embedded within anterior panels 116 and 118, and are configured to releasably engage flap magnets 152 and 154 as posterior panel 140 and flap panel 150 is folded over toward anterior panels 116 and 118. If, for example, the connection device instead comprises Velcro, strip sections are provided where magnets 152 and 154 are shown, and on the exterior surfaces of one or both anterior panels. Further, if snaps are chosen, a male pair may be similarly included at the positions of magnets 152 and 154, and a female pair included on the exterior surface of or embedded within anterior panels 116 and 118. It will be appreciated that the attachment devices shown (magnets 152, 154, 156, and 158) are shown for the sake of illustration. In some embodiments in which the attachment devices are embedded within flap panel 150 and anterior panels 116 and 118, the attachment devices may be imperceptible by a user as PDC 100 is used, due for example to their small size or a thickness of the panels which sufficiently and inconspicuously obscures the attachment devices. Such obscuration may enhance the appearance of the protective device case.

Flap panel 150 further includes an arch 160. Arch 160 is a raised, convex protrusion extending outwardly from the exterior surface of flap panel 150 and PDC 100 (e.g., from exterior surface 110) that reduces the difficulty of opening the protective case and assists a user in aligning their fingers and an electronic device with slot 114 during insertion and removal of the device by providing tactile feedback. In some embodiments, arch 160 is curved and protrudes substantially in two directions; as seen in FIG. 1A, the first direction extends upwardly along vertical direction 120 such that arch 160 constitutes the highest region of PDC 100 when flap panel 150 is open, and the second direction extends along a direction 162 toward posterior panel 140. However, when flap panel 150 is closed, the second direction extends outwardly from anterior panels 116 and 118 opposite direction 162, providing additional space with which a user may manipulate and open the protective case. The two-dimensional, convex, extruded shape exhibited by arch 160 is illustrated in this example by a set of contours 164, which may indicate a region in which arch extrusion begins—e.g., the point at which arch 160 deviates outwardly from the relatively flat surface of flap panel 150. Such point of deviation may be varied without departing from the scope of this disclosure such that arch 160 may extend toward flexure 142, to a point above flexure 151, or anywhere therebetween. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, arch 160 is aligned vertically with slot 114 and arranged at the outer brim perimeter of flap panel 150. Arch 160 may include a symmetric, curved, convex geometry, though other geometries are possible, including but not limited to triangular and rectangular geometries.

By providing tactile feedback, users may easily and securely manipulate PDC 100 via arch 160 without altering their gaze. In particular, arch 160 may serve as a tactile guide to a user's digits; as a user's digit moves downward opposite vertical direction 120 and along closed flap panel 150 (when PDC 100 is in a closed state), the user will receive tactile feedback indicating that the digit is placed on arch 160 and that the bottom portion of slot 114, and expanded opening region 128, is nearby and downward. As the digit is moved an additional downward distance, the user will feel a side of the inserted device, which may then be gripped and pulled upward along vertical direction 120 such that flap panel 150 and PDC 100 are opened and the device is released for subsequent manipulation. Arch 160 may similarly guide a user in inserting a device into PDC 100 via tactile feedback.

Turning now to FIG. 1B, another embodiment of PDC 100 is shown, which in this example includes a stiffening insert 166 configured to enhance the structure and stiffness of the protective device case. Insert 166 may comprise any suitable materials, such as plastic, metal, metallic alloys, etc., which are selected such that the insert exhibits a higher stiffness (e.g., material strength) than the materials from which surrounding components are formed (e.g., leather, from which panels 116, 118, 130, and 140 may be formed in some embodiments). Insert 166 may be disposed in PDC 100 during or after formation of the PDC—for example, interior and exterior surfaces 108 and 110 may be placed to surround the insert, being subsequently joined together such that the insert is formed between the interior and exterior surfaces. In this example, insert 166 flanks slot 114 at anterior side 117, and may extend lengthwise (e.g., along a direction in which length 102 is measured) in a plane parallel to a lengthwise plane of slot 114, where the planes may be a single common plane in embodiments in which slot 114 terminates at posterior panel 140, for example. As shown, insert 166 includes a lengthwise bracket section 168 substantially spanning (e.g., 85% of its length) the length of posterior panel 40. As such, the stiffness and supportive structure of posterior panel 40 is enhanced, in turn enhancing the support provided to a surface of a device inserted in PDC 100. Lengthwise bracket section 168 extends vertically downward opposite vertical direction 120, connecting to bottom flanks or sections 170 which at least partially span portions of bottom panel 130 proximate anterior panels 116 and 118 (e.g., bottom panel portions aligned with the anterior panels along direction 162). Thus, the supportive structure and stiffness of such portions of bottom panel 130 are also enhanced, which may be advantageous as bottom panel 130 may generally bear the plurality of weight imparted by a device inserted in PDC 100. As shown in this example sections of insert 166 meet at in a gradually curved manner. For example, bottom sections 170 may curve outwardly in a convex manner opposite vertical direction 120, which may impose a convex, outwardly curved geometry on bottom panel 130. Such an example may correspond to embodiments in which PDC 100 has curved geometries. However, sections of insert 166 may instead meet at substantially perpendicular angles (e.g., 90°+/−5°, which may impose a more rectangular shape to the PDC. Corners of insert 166 may similarly be rounded (e.g., filleted) as shown or may be square without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Further, while the corners of the outer edges of the case in FIGS. 1A-B are shown as substantially square, they may also be rounded to match the rounding of insert 166, such as shown in FIG. 1C.

Extending opposite direction 162, bottom sections 170 join anterior flanks or sections 172, which at least partially span portions of anterior panels 116 and 118 and extend upwardly along vertical direction 120. Anterior sections 172 may be centrally aligned to anterior panels 116 and 118, parallel with lengthwise section 168, and may be symmetric in some embodiments and asymmetric in others. Thus the supportive structure and stiffness of anterior panels 116 and 118 may be enhanced by anterior sections 172, in turn increasing protection afforded to inserted devices as a plurality of potentially damaging forces may strike PDC 100 along the surfaces of the anterior panels.

Insert 166 may be formed by joining sections 168, 170, and 172 by a suitable process (e.g., welding). Alternatively, insert 166 may be formed as a unitary, contiguous insert, which may reduce manufacturing cost and complexity. In this case, PDC 100 may be integrally formed around insert 166 in a relatively simple manufacturing process which facilitates the formation of a PDC having sufficient structural stiffness yet flexibility while providing sufficient protection to inserted devices. Formation of a unitary, contiguous insert may increase the longevity and durability of PDC 100, as forces applied to portions (e.g., exterior surface 110) of the PDC may be increasingly absorbed by insert 166 and diverted away from the internal cavity in which a device may be held. Further, insert 166 may facilitate replacement of the insert should the supportive structure and stiffness of the insert and PDC decrease below desired levels, as the insert may be removed and a new insert disposed in the device case. Such an approach may be advantageous compared to those in which an insert comprises a plurality of sections joined together, or approaches in which a supportive structure and stiffness is disposed in the body of the device case, as cracks in the multi-section insert or case may make repair and/or replacement difficult or infeasible. It will be noted that the stiffening members in anterior panels 116 and 118 (e.g., stiffening member 132) are omitted for the sake of clarity and that the stiffening members may be included in PDC 100 along with insert 166. However, embodiments are possible in which insert 166 is included in PDC 100 while omitting the anterior panel stiffening members, which may reduce cost and manufacturing complexity of the PDC while providing sufficient structural stiffness and device protection via the insert.

FIG. 1B further illustrates how PDC 100 may include a three-section structure. In particular, posterior panel 140 may form a first section and include insert 166, enhancing its stiffness and support afforded to the surfaces of an inserted device. A second section may be formed by an intermediate panel 174 (which may be considered in some embodiments part of posterior panel 140 or flap panel 150), which may lack a stiffening insert similar to insert 166. Thus, intermediate panel 174 may retain a high degree of flexibility, allowing PDC 100 to be easily manipulated as devices are inserted and removed. Finally, flap panel 150 may form a third section, and may also include a stiffening insert (not shown), which may enhance protection afforded to an inserted device as the flap panel is folded and disposed in a closed state. In some embodiments, such an insert may curve outwardly in a convex manner such that arch 160 is disposed in the insert. In this way, a PDC may be provided which affords protection to insert devices while retaining a flexible structure.

In some embodiments, portions of PDC 100 may exhibit material properties (e.g., stiffness, flexibility, etc.) which allow the PDC to be reshaped, as some portions may retain an amount (e.g., 50%) of deformation applied, for example, to better suit a device to be held. For example, one or more of panels 116, 118, 130, 136, 138, and 140, stiffening members 132, and insert 166 may comprise materials facilitating retaining such deformation, allowing PDC 100 to be flexible, dynamically shaped, and customized to the geometry of a device to be held.

FIG. 1B illustrates additional aspects of PDC 100. Open regions or gaps, provided for example between bottom panel 130 and proximate side panels 136 and 138 may allow a user to observe the presence of an inserted device even when PDC 100 is in a closed state. As shown, panels 116, 118, 130, 136, 138, 140, and 150 may have substantially equal thicknesses (e.g., within 5 mm), though each individual thickness may be selectively adjusted, for example to increase device protection or reduce weight of the device case. Although an attachment device may be used to affix PDC 100 to a user as described above, the PDC may be sufficiently light to be comfortably carried in a hand, pocket, bag, etc.

Turning now to FIG. 1C, a cross-sectional view of PDC 100 is shown, taken along line A-A of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1C particularly illustrates the structure and placement of insert 166 in PDC 100, and how the insert may have a convexly curved, u-shape. In this example, sections 168 and 172 of insert 166 are vertically aligned with the centers of posterior panel 140 and anterior panel 116, respectively. Section 170 is conversely horizontally aligned with the center of bottom panel 130. Such alignment may be adjusted, however, such that the sections may be aligned with other regions of respective panels, or one or more of the panels may be unaligned with regions of respective panels. As shown, section 168 has a height greater than that of section 172, though such height may be adjusted based on desired stiffness, protection, and flexibility of PDC 100, and may be equated to that of section 172. Sections 168, 170, and 172 may have one or more thicknesses which may be equal in some embodiments. Further, the sections may join in a uniform or non-uniform, gradually curved manner. Alternatively, the sections may join at substantially perpendicular junctions—for example, section 168 joins section 170, and section 170 joins section 172, at 90° angles. At each of the two junctions, however, sections may join each other at angles other than 90°.

FIGS. 1B and 1C show additional aspects of insert 166 and its sections. Lengthwise section 168 may at least partially span posterior panel 140, bottom sections 170 may at least partially span bottom panel 130, and anterior sections 172 may at least partially span respective anterior panels 116 and 118. Bottom sections 170 may be symmetric or asymmetric with respect to each other, and, likewise, anterior sections 172 may also be symmetric or asymmetric with respect to each other. As an extension of symmetry, bottom sections 170 may have an equal width and an equal length with respect to each other, their lengths measured along a lengthwise direction 190 and their widths measured along direction 162. Further, bottom sections 170 and anterior sections 172 may have equal lengths with respect to one another, as measured along lengthwise direction 190. Similarly, anterior sections 172 may have equal heights with respect to each other, as measured along vertical direction 120. Lengthwise section 168 and anterior sections 172 may terminate at equal first and second lengthwise ends 192 and 194. Lengthwise section 168 may vertically terminate below flexure 142 of posterior panel 140, though such vertical termination may be varied. Sections of insert 166 may be centrally aligned (e.g., horizontally and/or vertically) with respective panels to which they correspond; for example, anterior sections 172 may be centrally aligned with anterior panels 116 and 118, bottom sections 170 may be centrally aligned with portions of bottom panel 130 separated by slot 114, and lengthwise section 168 may be centrally aligned with posterior panel 140.

Turning now to FIG. 2, a prior art protective device case is shown for comparison. In this example, the prior art protective device case lacks an uninterrupted slot traversing from a bottom of the case, along an exterior side, through to a top opening of the case. As such, the device case presents several drawbacks in comparison to embodiments of the present disclosure. These include a lack of a guide to assist users in placing and inserting an electronic device, reduced flexibility, and a potential necessity to use both hands or modify a grasp when inserting or removing an electronic device.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of another embodiment of a protective device in accordance with the present disclosure. In contrast to the prior art protective device case shown in FIG. 2, the device case of FIG. 3 includes an uninterrupted slot traversing from a bottom of the case, along an exterior side, through to a top opening of the case. Thus, such a device case may provide the benefits discussed above, including a guide for insertion and removal of an electronic device and increased flexibility, while using a single hand.

Turning now to FIGS. 4A-4G, an example method is shown with which a user may open the protective device case and remove the electronic device housed therein. At FIG. 4A, the protective case is attached to the belt of a user, has an electronic device housed therein, and is in a closed configuration. At FIG. 4B, the user wishes to open the protective case and begins to do so with a thumb, placing it in the opening provided by the arch (e.g., arch 160 in FIG. 1A). At FIG. 4C, the user then fully extends the thumb upward and against the arch, releasably engaging the flap panel (e.g., flap panel 150 in FIG. 1A) and putting the protective case in an open configuration. At FIG. 4D, the user imposes a grasp on the electronic device, placing the thumb on a top side of the device in the area accessible after opening the flap panel, and passes an index finger through the slot, placing it on the bottom side of the device in an expanded opening region (e.g., expanded opening region 128 in FIG. 1A). With the protective case in an open configuration, and the thumb and index finger appropriately placed, the user lifts the electronic device upward and out of the case in FIGS. 4E and 4F. Finally, at FIG. 4G, the user has removed the electronic device from the protective case while maintaining the original grasp imposed on the device when the device was initially removed. Further, the electronic device is held in a beneficial position at FIG. 4G where the user may easily view a display and manipulate one or more buttons and/or other engageable elements.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show left and right side views of PDC 100, respectively, particularly illustrating the outwardly and convexly extruding geometry of arch 160. A distance or gap between bottom panel 130 and respective side panels 136 and 138 are further illustrated. FIGS. 7A and 7B show top and bottom views of PDC 100, respectively, particularly illustrating the geometry of slot 114.

Thus, with the claimed configuration, a user may use the protective case to insert and remove an electronic device completely, safely, and ergonomically without forcing the user to release, compromise, or even alter their grasp on the device. When the protective case is in an open configuration (e.g., the flap panel is open), a user may use the slot (e.g., slot 114 in FIG. 1A) to guide one or more digits holding an electronic device and slide the device down the slot into a secured position at the bottom of the protective case. With the slot, a user may insert the device with confidence, knowing that they have correctly secured the device without having to look at the protective case. The flap panel (e.g. flap panel 150 in FIG. 1A) can then be folded over, substantially covering and protecting the electronic device. When, on the other hand, the protective case is in a closed configuration (e.g., the flap panel is closed), a user may open the case with the arch (e.g., arch 160 in FIG. 1A) by extending, for example, their thumb. Then, with the expanded opening region (e.g., expanded opening region 128 in FIG. 1A) at the bottom of the protective case providing an increased area through which a user may engage an electronic device, the device may be removed from the protective case. With a constant grasp guided by the slot and expanded opening region, the user need not touch the device's display screen, avoiding smudging and/or scratching, and need not employ the use of both hands to open the protective case. As such, the chances of mishandling or damaging the device are significantly reduced. Such advantages may be especially applicable to users with arthritis or other disabilities, and users with poor coordination or motor skills.

It will be appreciated that the configurations disclosed herein are exemplary in nature, and that these specific embodiments are not to be considered in a limiting sense, because numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and nonobvious combinations and subcombinations of the various configurations, and other features, functions, and/or properties disclosed herein.

The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations regarded as novel and nonobvious. These claims may refer to “an” element or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof. Such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Other combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or through presentation of new claims in this or a related application.

Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equal or different in scope to the original claims, also are regarded as included within the subject matter of the present disclosure. 

1. A device, comprising: a protective carrying case including at least an uninterrupted slot traversing from a bottom of the case, along an anterior side, and through to a top opening of the carrying case; and a stiffening insert flanking the uninterrupted slot at the anterior side in a parallel plane, with flanks of the stiffening insert extending from the anterior side, along the bottom, and further along an posterior side of the carrying case, the flanks joined by a lengthwise section, the lengthwise section parallel to the flanks positioned in the anterior side.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the slot is vertically oriented.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein the slot is at least as wide as a user's single finger.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein the slot further includes an expanded opening region at the bottom of the carrying case.
 5. The device of claim 1 further including a top flap that, when closed, extends downward substantially covering the slot at the anterior side.
 6. The device of claim 1 wherein the slot forms at least two panels in the anterior side of the carrying case.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the carrying case is shaped to hold a handheld device, the carrying case further comprising stiffening members in the respective panels such that the panels support the handheld device, where edges of the slot are defined by edges of the panels.
 8. The device of claim 5 further comprising a connection device having respective first and second portions on the anterior side and the top flap, the first and second portions releasably engageable with one another.
 9. The device of claim 8 further comprising an arch vertically aligned with the slot and arranged at an outer brim perimeter of the top flap.
 10. The device of claim 8 wherein the first portion is a first magnet and the second portion is a second magnet.
 11. The device of claim 8 wherein the first portion is a first Velcro section, and the second portion is a second Velcro section.
 12. The device of claim 8 wherein the first portion is a male snap section, and the second portion is a female snap section.
 13. A protective carrying case for holding a handheld device, comprising: a body having two separated anterior panels, side panels, a posterior panel and a top flap, the body defining a cavity, the top flap extending over the cavity and downward along at least a portion of both of the separated anterior panels, the top flap releasably secured to at least one of the separated anterior panels; and a rigid member embedded within said case to provide a stable support structure for the separated anterior panels, the rigid member formed as a unitary component and having at least section within the posterior panel.
 14. The protective carrying case of claim 13 wherein said releasably securing includes one or more of Velcro, snaps, and magnets.
 15. The protective carrying case of claim 13 further comprising an interior lining, the rigid member formed between an outer layer and the interior lining.
 16. The protective carrying case of claim 13 wherein an opening is positioned between the anterior panels, the opening shaped to allow a user to both: install the device into the protective carrying case by allowing the user's fingers to pass through the opening and between the separated panels without releasing the user's grasp of the handheld device until the device is completely installed within the protective case; and remove the device from the protective carrying case by allowing the user's fingers to pass through the opening and between the separated panels without releasing the user's grasp of the handheld device until the device is completely removed from the case.
 17. A device configured to be affixed to a user, comprising: a protective carrying case including at least an anterior side facing away from the user and a posterior panel with an interior side adjacent to, and affixable to, a hip of the user, and a bottom side, the anterior side including a centrally positioned uninterrupted slot, the slot having a first end in the bottom and traversing from the bottom, and then upward along the anterior side, and through to a top opening of the carrying case such that the uninterrupted slot extends uninterruptedly from the first end to the top opening, the top opening sized to accept a handheld device into the carrying case; and a stiffening insert having a rectangular u-shape comprising a lengthwise bracket section at least partially spanning the posterior panel, a pair of bottom sections at least partially spanning a bottom panel, and a pair of anterior sections at least partially spanning respective anterior panels, the pair of bottom sections symmetric, the pair of anterior sections symmetric, the lengthwise bracket section joining the pair of bottom sections convexly, the pair of bottom sections joining the pair of anterior sections convexly, the pair of anterior sections and the pair of bottom sections having an equal length, the pair of bottom sections having an equal width and an equal length, the lengthwise bracket section and the pair of anterior sections terminating at equal first and second ends, the lengthwise bracket section vertically terminating below a flexure of the posterior panel, the pair of anterior sections having an equal height, the pair of anterior sections centrally aligned with the respective anterior panels, the pair of bottom sections centrally aligned with respective portions of the bottom panel, the lengthwise bracket section vertically aligned with the posterior panel, and the stiffening insert disposed between an exterior surface and an interior surface of the carrying case.
 18. The device of claim 17 further comprising a top flap that, when closed, extends downward substantially covering the slot at the anterior side.
 19. The device of claim 17 wherein the uninterrupted slot defines the respective anterior panels, the panels being separated and including one or more stiffening members such that the panels support the handheld device, where edges of the slot are defined by edges of the panels.
 20. The device of claim 17 further comprising an arch vertically aligned with the slot and arranged at an outer brim perimeter of the top flap. 